If you’ve ever been tempted to take a vacation but hold back because of the price tag, you might be surprised to find that many overseas holidays actually are pretty cheap. And with savvy travel companies offering all-inclusive holiday deals, it’s easier than ever to go away for an adventure and come home refreshed.
While Bali and Thailand are rated top bang-for-buck holidays in the latest Galaxy survey, there’s plenty of other great options to consider. We’ve trawled the internet for bargain-hunting experts to uncover 11 overseas destinations where your dollar goes further than you might expect.
Whether you’re after beachfront views, jungles and mountains or thriving cities and culture, these affordable international trips are sure to inspire you.
In the past, people have scrimped and saved to afford holidays in exotic locales like Europe, Asia or Latin America. But in recent years, the cost of travel has increased in many countries and resorts, causing people to put off their getaway plans or skip them altogether. This is a shame because research shows that travellers who travel frequently are healthier and happier than those who don’t.
So if you’re still dreaming of that next big trip, it might be time to dig into your savings or consider sacrificing something else in the name of a little adventure. The rewards are likely to be more than worth it.
One of the biggest expenses for a typical family is the annual holiday, and a new study has revealed that the average Briton will dip into their savings to fund the holiday of a lifetime. In fact, two in five will give up buying a car or home improvements to go on a break.
For budget-friendly travel, look to Latin America or Eastern Europe. Bulgaria, for example, is an underrated destination that boasts a picturesque Black Sea coastline and is less crowded than other European hotspots. In the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic offers a great mix of beaches, rainforest and cosmopolitan city life.
Colombia is another emerging star. Although some of the country’s popularity may be due to Netflix’s acclaimed series Narcos, it’s an amazing country that has both Atlantic and Pacific beaches, the Amazon jungle and the start of the Andes mountain range. The cost of living is also surprisingly low, making it an ideal place for backpackers.
The Cook Islands might be a bit of a cliché, but this beautiful archipelago in the South Pacific is an ideal place to get away from it all. This deal includes return economy airfares to Rarotonga, transfers, accommodation at Sea Change Villas in a lagoon view villa and two days’ car hire. It’s almost rude not to go! cheap overseas holidays